The Church of All Saints, Braunston

 Northamptonshire

 

DETAILS OF THE BELLS 

 

 

1. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1811

Diameter: 32 ¼ in. Strike note: D.    Weight of this bell is 6 cwt. 2 qrs 27lbs.

​

2. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1811

Diameter: 333/4 in. Strike note: C.   Weight of this bell is 6 cwt. 3 qrs 22lbs.

 

3. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1811

Diameter: 357/8 in. Strike note: Bb.   Weight of this bell is 8 cwt. 0 qrs 22lbs.

​

4. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1811

Diameter: 37 in. Strike note: A.   Weight of this bell is 8 cwt. 2 qrs 16lbs.

 

5. JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1811

Diameter: 40 in. Strike note: G.  Weight of this bell is 10 cwt. 0 qrs 23lbs.

 

6.  J EVANS VICAR : J : HALL : & W : HARRIS C : W

JOHN BRIANT HERTFORD FECIT 1811

Diameter: 453/8 in. Strike note: F.  Weight of this bell is 15 cwt. 1 qrs 6lbs.

 

• The bells were tuned and fitted with new headstocks and ringing fittings, including Hastings stays in a new metal low-sided frame by  John Taylor & Co in 1922.

• Each iron headstock carries the Taylor’s job number 935 and the bell number. 

• The installation was rededicated by the Bishop of Leicester on October 20, 1922

 

​

​

In 1552 there were “iiij bells in ye steple and a sanct’ bell”.

 

In 1672 the existing ancient bells were recast into a ring of six by Richard Keene, a founder of Woodstock, and were inscribed:

1, 2       1672;

3     Thomas Bateman & John Makepeace Chvrchwardens 1681;

4     RK 1672;

5     Richard Keene cast this ring 1672;

6     Thomas Woodward Richard Tompkins C.W. (date inperceptible in 1700). 

A sanctus bell was purchased in Daventry in 1738.

 

When the bells were recast in 1672 .. £13. 2s. 0d. was paid to “the neighbours” for carrying the bells to Woodstock and back again; the waggon for this was hired for 11/6.

The rehanging of the bells cost a further £35, and as it was considered that the contractor had had a “hard bargain” he was given an extra £3.

​

In 1781 the bells were taken to London, when overhauling, repairs and carriage cost £3.5s. A set of bell ropes about that time cost 13/- or more.

​

 In 1811 the whole ring was again recast by Briant and installed, in a frame of good oak. The weight of the tenor bell before 1812 was 19 cwt. 26lbs. The present one weighs 17 cwt. 2 qrs. 13 lbs. In 1812 the new bells cost £237. 15s. 6d., and a bell frame of oak cost £60. These amounts may be compared with those of 1672. In 1922 the cost of overhauling and rehanging the bells was £500.

The founder made a blunder with the tenor bell, .....the Rector at that time was John Williams. J Evans was Curate here when the bell was recast, and placed his name upon it as “Vicarius” for a, perhaps, non-resident Rector.

 

In 1849, the bells and bell frame were moved from the old tower to the replacement tower.

 

​

NRO ref no. 46P/237 PCC Minute Book 1920-41

​

 16th November 1921 Inspection and report on the bells in 1920 by White of Abingdon said excellent oak frame, but wheels were not true and bells needed quarter turning. An estimate of £130 from Mr White of Appleton, Nr Abingdon was discussed...

 

23rd February 1922 Mr Hopper of the Bellringers’ Association had reported that the things estimated for in the estimate previously presented were absolutely essential and that the warping of the framework should be also be remedied. Proposed: That an estimate be obtained from Gillett & Johnstons Croydon..

 

20th April 1922 The Secretary read reports and estimates from Messrs. Gillett & Johnston Croydon and Messrs. Taylors of Loughborough on the bell frame. Both estimates were for an entirely new frame , as both reports entirely condemned the old frame.

          Gillett & Johnston’s estimate                     £513

          Taylor’s estimate                                          £484

Voted to accept Taylor’s estimate.

 

 

2nd August 1922 The oak beams from the belfry .. to make a Litany Stool and Re-table for the Church. Balance of wood shall be utilised in erecting a seat in the new burial ground.

 

26th September 1922 The Rector reported that the Lord Bishop of Leicester would re-dedicate the bells on 20th October 1922. Agreed that a deputation meet old Bellringers re ringing.

 

1st October 1923 Carried that Messrs. Taylor’s account be paid omitting interest and charge for temporary bell.

 

4th March 1924 The secretary was congratulated on the clearing off of the Belfry Fund and asked to put up the Balance Sheet on the Church Notice Board.

 

 

46P/49 Faculty to repair Spire 18th October 1933.

 

..in consequence of the heavy stone finial of the spire of the Parish Church being in a wobbling and therefore dangerous condition, the finial measuring about 2 ft. 9 inches across and 2 feet thick but resting on a neck only 7 ½ inches in diameter on top of the spire, it is proposed, in accordance with the advice contained in the report of Mr William Weir, Architect of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, dated the 5th August 1933, to remove the stone finial, together with some iron bands which were fixed in 1919 to prevent the movement of the finial but which have not proved effective, to cover the stone necking at the top of the spire with sheet lead and refix the existing weather vane, and to clean out and grout with liquid cement mortar the open joints in the spire. .... eighteenth day of October in the year nineteen hundred and thirty three. H Savory. Deputy Registrar.

 

​

46P/238 PCC Minute Book 1941-48

 

11th July 1941 Taylor’s letter on bells read by Mr A Smith. Dr Brown pro. Mrs Thomas sec: that the estimate of £19 be accepted and work to be proceeded with at once. Carried.

 

13th April 1942. Report of Church Council for 1941.

The bells were thoroughly overhauled and put in order and the frame work was painted by the firm of Taylor Loughborough.

 

4th May 1946 Annual Meeting. Rector’s Remarks

..We had passed from war to peace but conditions were far from normal and he was pleased to see ex service men back home. He appreciated their help in the belfry on Easter Day.

 

17th April 1947. Annual Meeting. Rector’s Remarks.

A band of ringers would be welcome and a keen instructor is needed.

 

​

46P/239 PCC Minute Book 1948-54

 

19th November 1948. PCC Meeting

Thanks were offered to the Willoughby Ringers who rang the peals celebrating the birth of the Royal Baby on Nov. 14th 1948.

 

6th April 1949 Annual Meeting. Secretary’s Report

The Willoughby Ringers rang a peal of welcome for the Royal Baby.

 

27th June 1949 PCC Meeting.

As Jackdaws continually bring sticks in through the air holes in the spire, Mr Johnson is to be asked if it would be possible to cover these holes with wire netting to eliminate the nuisance.

 

22nd March 1950 Annual Meeting. Report.

While this historical display [for centenary of the rebuilding of the church] was in progress the Daventry Guild of Bell ringers rang peals of bells at the church..

.. and to keep pigeons and other ornithological visitors out of the spire the holes have been covered with fine wire netting.

 

27th March 1952. Annual Meeting. Rector’s Remarks.

Thanks are due to Messrs. G & F Hancock of Willoughby who have trained a band of ringers who will soon be able to use our own Church bells.

 

9th March 1953. PCC Minutes

The bells have been examined and found in order.

​

​

 

46P/240 PCC Minute Book 1954-59

[There are no references to bells or ringers - not even in the Rector’s annual list of thanks which does include choir and organ. I must assume that there was no regular ringing.]

 

46P/241 PCC Minute Book 1959-62

 

15th May 1959. PCC Meeting.

Mr S Berry agreed to arrange for a team of bell-ringers to peal the bells on that [induction on 25th June of Revd W Bevan Griffiths] occasion.

 

26th July 1960. PCC Meeting

Mr Pace has arranged for ladders to be put up the steeple and when these are in position he will make a detailed inspection of the steeple.

An iron rod supporting the weather vane has corroded and in expanding has displaced certain stones on the gables. These will need replacement.

 

15th November 1960. PCC Meeting.

A letter was read concerning the inspection of the spire. Mr Geo. Pace said he was waiting for Messrs. Furse to place ladders in position on the spire and he would then inspect it and give a more detailed report. ..

The possible improvement to both heating and hearing in the church, which could come from curtaining off the bell ringing platform, was discussed but a decision will be deferred till the opinion of Mr Mannix and Mr Pace have been heard.

His [Mr Geo. Pace] advice is to be asked on measures to be taken to prevent the down draught from the belfry entering the church and then lowering the temperature.

 

28th June 1961 PCC Meeting

The Rector reported that the architect had estimated that the cost of repairing the church spire would be £1,500 to £2,000.

 

3rd November 1961 PCC Meeting.

The cost of the repairs to the spire has now been given at £2,252 and £300 architect’s fees due to Mr Pace. A bill for £500 has been sent by Messrs. Furse.

 

18th February 1962. PCC Meeting.

Mrs Boxall reported that a Blanca of £1,750 was due to be paid to Messrs. Furse & Co. for work on the spire.

 

2nd April 1962 Annual Meeting Rector’s Remarks

The spire has been repaired by Messrs. Furse. Thanks are due to Mr Jack MacMamer (?) and Mr Tom Tinkler who carried out the work.

 

21st May 1962. PCC Meeting.

Mr H Rowley asked if the bells could now be rung and Mr S Berry was asked to see if Mr Geo. and Mr Cecil Hancock would arrange to give tuition.

 

23rd July 1962. PCC Meeting.

Mr Berry reported that bell ringing has been arranged and that sixteen people have been learning to ring.

 

The possibility of closing the space left between the belfry and the nave of the church was discussed.

Mr Boxall proposed and Mr Mannix seconded the proposition that Mr Geo. Pace should be consulted about designing a screen (to be made locally) which should eliminate the draught from the belfry. This was carried.

 

​

 

46P/242 PCC Minute Book 1962 - 1966

 

18th March 1963 AGM of Electors

... For many years the congregation have complained of the cold draughts. A sub committee of the PCC was deputed to examine the possibilities of improvement.

On this recommendation we have changed from coke to oil heating.

A further improvement has been suggested and considered though no action has actually been taken.

A suggestion that a screen should be made to fill the Archway between the bell ringers loft and the nave of the church was considered.

Mr Geo. Pace designed such a screen - a wooden frame with glass panels to fill the gap. This would cost about £600 in hardwood - less in softwood.

 

28th May 1963. PCC Minutes

An application is to be made to the Chancellor of the diocese for permission to install a screen of oak wood and glass in the Archway between the bell ringers loft and the nave of the church.

This is being given by Mrs Carvell in memory of her sister, the late Mrs Mary Elizabeth Frensum? Evitts and Mr Harry Evitts.

...carried nem. con.

 

19th March 1964. AGM of Electors

Mrs Carvell and her brother Mr Fred Kendall have kindly offered to provide as a memorial to her sister the late Mrs H Evitts, a screen between the bell ringers loft and the nave of the church. This has been accepted and a faculty for its installation has already been designed and it should soon be in place.

 

Accounts:

Gift in memory of Mrs F Evitts (deceased) £400

Expenditure in respect of Belfrey Screen £579 .. 17 .. 3d

 

Faculty for Belfry Screen 11th September 1963 ...We having duly considered your Petition dated the eighteenth day of June 1963 do hereby grant and decree unto you Our Faculty and full power and authority to instal in the Parish Church a Screen of Oak and Glass in the Archway between the Bell Ringers Loft and the Nave of the Church at an estimated cost of £450.

​

 

From John Caunt via Peter Wenham 31/3/06

 

In the section devoted to Churchwardens’ Accounts in his booklet entitled “Centenary of the Rebuilding of All Saints’ Church”, the Revd. H.E. Ruddy wrote:-

 

I choose the following items for the light they throw on the life and customs of other days.

 

In the 17th century the Church windows had to be reglazed rather often, and the bells were continually needing attention.

 

The bells were rung on days of national rejoicing, such as Gunpowder Treason, the King's holy day (in memory of Charles 1), “ when Limbrick (i.e. Limerick) was taken” in 1691, “when the news came of victory in Scotland” in 1715, “when the King returned” in 1716.

 

A sanctus bell was purchased in Daventry in 1738.

 

When the bells were recast in 1672, as already stated, £13. 2s. 0d. was paid to “the neighbours” for carrying the bells to Woodstock and back again; the waggon for this was hired for 11/6. The rehanging of the bells cost a further £35, and as it was considered that the contractor had had a “hard bargain” he was given an extra £3. In 1781 the bells were taken to London, when overhauling, repairs and carriage cost £3 5. A set of bell ropes about that time cost 13/- or more.

 

The weight of the tenor bell before 1812 was 19 cwt. 26lbs. The present one weighs

17 cwt., 2 qrs., 13 lbs.

 

In 1812 the new bells cost £237. 15s. 6d., and a bell frame of oak cost £60. These amounts may be compared with those of 1672. In I922 the cost of overhauling and rehanging the bells was £500.

 

The customs of the clerk attending to the bells and clock, and of his wife washing the linen have come down some hundreds of years. The clerk's bill in 1775 included an item for “whiping dogs,” i.e. driving them out of church.

 

​

Another visit to the Northamptonshire Records Office. GHP 5/4/2006

​

46P/36 Churchwardens Accounts 1867-1945

 

shows that Electric Light was installed in 1931

 

46P/40a Memo about erection of clock ...

 

17/12/184?9 A handwritten note authorising £80 for the erection of the Clock and the purchase of Stoves for the New Church

GHP 29/11/06

 

Peter Wenham reports that he took over as tower captain in 1993 and the bells have been rung regularly for practice and service since. (Dec 2007)

 

Peter Wenham has copies of information transcribed below sent to him by Taylor, Eayre and Smith in July 2009:

 

 

Letter:

Braunston

Nr Rugby

16 May 1922

 

Dear Sirs

 

The Braunston Church Council have now given permission for you to do the work in Braunston Belfry, and I have pleasure in sending you their order.

 

Yours faithfully

William J. Gould

Hon  Secty

Parochial Church Council

 

 

Letter:

Braunston Parish Church

Northants

 

Estimate

To rehang the ring of six bells with entirely new fittings to our latest and best design in new, strong and massive Cast iron framework on stout steel supporting girders; also taking down, carriage between our works and the Church, and erection; all as detailed in the attached specification……………………  £484 ..0 .. 0

Four hundred and eighty four pounds.

John Taylor & Co.

 

We, the undersigned, being Chairman and two other members, present at a meeting of th Braunston Parochial Church Council, held on the 27th day of April 1922, do hereby accept the contract, of which the above is a true copy, for Messrs Taylor of Loughborough to do the work necessary in the Braunston Church Belfry.

 

Signed  W. E. Humphreys

Chairman

Two other  { J. E. Spin…?

members {     F J Berry

 

in the presence of Wm Gould

29[?] th April 1922

  

[left hand margin not fully copied]

and

a hand drawn plan of the belfry 14’ 0” square with dimensions for a trap door and windows etc.

and a sketch of a plaque (18 ½ “ X 10 ¾ “):

 

The brass plaque that was erected on the west wall of the church and is still in place in 2014 reads:

 

THE CHURCH BELLS

were rehung in 1922. At a cost of £500 raised by

the first PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

by voluntary subscriptions etc 

                              EDWIN HALL JP             WM. E. HUMPHREYS  M.A.   RECTOR

                              T. EVRARD TIMMS        WM. J. GOULD                             SECRETARY

 

 

 

From the Rugby Advertiser

 27th October1922.

 

BRAUNSTON.

 

ALL SAINTS CHURCH.

 

The dedication of the Litany stool and the re-dedication of the church bells took place on Friday evening and was performed by the Bishop of Leicester. The bells have been out of order for some time and the framework had got so bad that it was considered not safe to ring them. A meeting was called and a committee with members of the Church Council was formed with Mr. W. J. Gould as the untiring and energetic hon. secretary.

 

Tenders were invited and it was found it would cost about £500 to do the necessary work. The village was canvassed and almost all the money obtained. The work was given to Messrs John Taylor & Co., bellfounders, Loughborough, who carried out the work most satisfactorily. The bells have been hung on new framework of strong and massive construction on the most up to date and scientific principles. The foundation of the frame is made of heavy rolled steel girders; the fittings are of the latest and best make – new wheels, gudgeons, ball bearings, screw down lubricators, stays, ropes, &c, &c. The bells have been turned so that the new clappers strike them in a fresh place. They have been thoroughly cleaned and tuned so that the notes are brought into correct musical relationship with one another.

 

There was a large congregation at the ceremony and in addition to the Bishop the surpliced clergy present were the Revd Canon Mitchison (Barby) and the Rector, the Revd. W. E. Humphries. The processional hymn was “Ring forth, Holy Bells” and the special psalms were 122 and 150. The lesson was read by Canon Mitchison from the 10th chapter of Numbers. The Bishop first dedicated the Litany stool which was presented by an old parishioner and made from oak from the old wood bell frame. After re-dedicating the bells a peal was rung. After re-dedicating the bells the Bishop said how pleased he was to be with them and to share their joy, and congratulated them all on so great an achievement.

 

They were all delighted at hearing that lovely peal. It was extraordinary what a difference the bells made when they had been without them for several months. He dealt at length with the history of the bells in the country. Change ringing, he said, was an artistic art practised by rule and method and with technical knowledge and skill, Lovely peals might be rung on these six bells. The hymn “Lift them gently to the steeple” was then heartily sung.  The recessional hymn was “Our day of praise is done”. The Blessing was pronounced by the Bishop. The other special hymn sung was “We meet before Thy throne. A collection was taken in aid of the Bell and Steeple Fund.

 

 

Peter Wenham also had some hand-written notes from Vic Sanders describing ringing occasions on 14/11/1925 (First peal);  12/11/1927 (branch meeting); 9/6/1928 (Guild? event);22/11/1930 (2000 changes of Bob Minor), transcribed below:

 

Saturday 14th November 1925

The first completed Peal at All Saints Braunston, by Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Ringers – they rang a peal of minor (plain bob) 5,040 changes in 3 hours 10 mins. The team was:- F W Rowledge, Braunston, F Rollings, Weston Favell, I Wise, Northampton, B O Soden, Northampton, T Law, Weston Favell, T Tebbutt, Northampton, Conducted by T Tebbutt.  Necessary arrangements were made by F W Rowledge.  The peal was believed to be the first ever completed on these bells.  It gave great pleasure not only to the parishioners, but also to the surrounding villages, heard clearly at Crick.

[copied from Daventry Deanery Magazine for November 1925.]

 

Saturday 12th  November 1927

We were pleased to welcome the local Branch of the Diocesan Bellringers and enjoyed their able “touches” on our Church Bells.  This larger than normal gathering for the Branch was very pleasing at the Special Service read in Church by one of the Members, a Licensed Layreader Mr Wilford of Northampton – also the Rev. W H Ferris, Chairman of the Branch.  Afterwards teas in the Rectory were provided by the Rev. and Mrs W H Humphrys.

 

Saturday 9th June 1928

A large muster of 30 members of the Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers had a Service read by Master of the Guild Mr F Wilford – Rev. W H Fearis [misprint for Ferris] gave an interesting address. Tea in Rectory Gardens.

​

Saturday 22nd November 1930

We had the pleasure last Saturday of having a Bob Minor Peal, 2000 changes, by the following Ringers:-

F Benfield, East Haddon, E A Marsh, Hastings Bosworth, G Geary, Bilsdon, R Russell, Hallaton, R Adams, East Haddon, Tenor T Wise, Wootton.

 

 

The attached scan from the Braunston Village News may be of interest.

The Editor is interested in the bi-centenary of the bells, so I have asked him to visit on a practice night.

Cheers now, Peter.   29/1/2011

​

 

ALL SAINTS, BRAUNSTON (NORTHANTS) -

 

“THE CATHDRAL OF THE CANALS”

 

      Braunston church gained its sub-title in the heyday of canal transport, the village and its associated boat building yard having become a major waterways centre and the vastly increased village population predominantly employed in the canal industry.

 

      The present building dates from 1849, having replaced a smaller church which had become inadequate. It is known to be the third stone church to have been built on the same site. Situated at the Western end of a dominant ridge, overlooking the present marina, the 120ft spire is a landmark for many miles, especially when travelling on the A45 between Daventry and Rugby.

 

      The bells are noteworthy in that they are complete six (tenor originally 17cwt -2qr – 13lbs) by John Briant of Hertford, 1811. They were recast from a 1672 ring of six by Richard Keene of Woodstock at a cost of £237-15s-6d (£237-78p) and were hung in a frame of “good oak” costing a further £60. The bells with their frame were apparently transferred into the new tower, there to remain until 1922 when they were tuned and completely rehung by Taylors of Loughborough at an inclusive cost of £483 £484 [according to both PCC Minute Book & Accounts]. Following this treatment, which presumably included removing canons, the tenor weight is now given as 15-1-16. The only relic we have of the earlier installation is a faldstool in the church, made of timber from the old frame.

 

      The present band was formed in 1993 and has been ringing regularly since. With our proximity to the marina we attract many ringing/boating visitors, especially during the summer months. All are welcome to our practice nights (Thursdays) and Sundays (10.20 - 11.00).

 

      Next April we shall be the host tower for our Guild's annual six-bell striking contest, an event we anticipate with pleasure.

 

      PETER WENHAM

 

(Historical information from North's “Church bells of Northamptonshire”.)

 A more detailed version with help from Chris Pickford was published in The Ringing World p837 No 5234 August 19, 2011

​
 

SHEILA ROWLEY

​

Sheila Rowley of Braunston died of cancer on Friday Dec 7, 2012. She rang from an early age and was tower captain from 1978 when ringing was revitalised for a while with Iris Webb of Staverton regularly supporting practice nights (which were on Wednesdays until 1993).  In 1993 Peter Wenham moved to Braunston from Daventry and Sheila recruited him to take over. She remained on the branch membership list until 2002 and has since served a busy spell as a churchwarden and was currently PCC Secretary. She was a regular performer in the series of branch quarter peal days that started to raise money for the Cathedral bells between 1984 and 1992, including ringing at Church Stowe and Preston Capes, but usually at Braunston and Staverton. 

​

Braunston Church was full with over 200 people at Sheila’s funeral on Dec 18. Led by The Rev Sarah Brown with the Daventry Team Rector, Team Vicars, Rural Dean and at least two past Vicars (The Rev  Claire) and the Bishop of Brixworth supporting. The bells were rung open before the service with by diminishing rounds announcing the start. Sheila had done practically every job around the church and was an authority on what to do and when, so will be sorely missed.   As instructed by Sheila, it was not a mournful affair and was followed by tea and cakes as instructed during and after the interment in the cemetery.

​

​

Tuesday, 11 December, 2012 9:39

From: "peter wenham" 

 To: "Geoff Pullin" 

 

Good morning, Geoff.

 

Further to your account in the Branch Bulletin, you might like some further detail.

​

We moved to Braunston in June 1992. Returning home from Sunday morning ringing at Daventry I heard two bells being rung up. Investigating, I found them being rung by Sheila Rowley and Janet Caunt. Joining them, we rang "Three Blind Mice" and plain hunt on three. This continued for a few weeks, during which time we advanced to reverse hunt on three.

One morning Sheila met me in the High Street and asked me if I would form a band. I mentioned that I was not a regular church-goer, to be told, "We've discussed that, but would still like you to do it".

​

And that's how Sally Thompson, Louise Lord (now Smith) Elizabeth and John Gwynne (now Secretary of the Coventry Guild) and Adam Gregson among others, started ringing.

​

It would be remiss of me not to gratefully acknowledge the long-term help we had from Frank Smith during those early days. Regularly, practice nights and Sundays, he came to us from Daventry. Without his help forming the new band would have taken much longer. His reward - - - - - - !

​

I'll try faxing a photo from those days.     Regards,  Peter

 

 

Page last updated 15/4/2021

​